Logan Eco Action Festival 2024

Solo survival experience to be shared at LEAF

An environmental scientist who survived 22 days alone in Tasmania’s brutally cold and rugged west coast will share her experiences at the Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) next month.

Dr Kate Grarock was one of 10 participants in the first series of SBS’ documentary Alone Australia in 2023.

Participants were dropped in separate wilderness locations with camera gear and 10 basic survival items such as a pot, a shovel, fishing line and a sleeping bag.

“It makes you view the world with a new lens,” Dr Grarock said.

Canberra-based Dr Grarock is one of the headline speakers at this year’s LEAF, from 9am to 3pm on Sunday, June 2 at Griffith University’s Meadowbrook campus.

The festival offers the chance to explore ways to reduce, reuse and recycle to create a more sustainable world and future.

Entry to LEAF is free.

The event features demonstrations and workshops, interactive presentations, children’s activities and live music.

Dr Grarock described her experience on Alone as life-changing after living for more than three weeks without the comforts of modern life while foraging for food and building her own shelter.

She said a stark realisation from the experience was the personal impact each individual has on the earth as she had to move further and further from the little patch of ground she was occupying to harvest plants.

As an ecologist she decided not to eat any mammals and instead survived on eating plants and fish she caught.

Dr Grarock said it was difficult dealing with 14 hours of darkness each day and not having the level of distraction that occurs in the modern world.

“The lack of input was very difficult for me.”

Mayor Jon Raven said LEAF was an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about the environment.

“I know the people of Logan are passionate about protecting and enhancing our local environment and the workshops and presentations at LEAF will give them even more knowledge and support,” Cr Raven said.

“There’s also a whole lot of family fun to be had with food stalls and live music. And best of all, it’s free to get in.”

The 2024 Logan Eco Action Festival program is available on ourlogan.com.au/whats-on/leaf/ or visit LEAF 2024 on Facebook.